Government has increased the number of social cash transfer beneficiaries in Nchelenge district from 5,415 last year to 10,716 this year.
Nchelenge District Social Welfare Officer Ruth Kamanga said about 357 more people are expected to be enlisted on the social cash transfer programme this year.
Ms. Kamanga told ZANIS that the increase shows that government was committed to ensure that lives of the vulnerable people are improved.
She disclosed that government has already disbursed funds for all the new beneficiaries.
She added that the Zambia Postal Services has already commenced the three bi- monthly social cash transfer payments.
Ms. Kamanga explained that the programme has helped the vulnerable people in society as they are now able buy and rear small livestock which they allow to multiply.
She added that beneficiaries subsequently sell their livestock to pay for their children’s school fees and other requirement.
Ms. Kananga also disclosed that government has disbursed about K70, 000 public welfare assistant scheme (PWAS) funds for 112 pupils in the district.
The 112 vulnerable pupils are in grades 8 to 12 at various schools in Nchelenge district.
